Small Grains Insect Note 5

Prepared by:
Stephen Bambara and Mike Waldvogel, Extension Entomologists

Dated 9/93
Placed on the Web 3/95 by the Center for Integrated Pest Management

Preventive Measures for Reducing Damage to Bagged Commercial Seed in Warehouses

Stored commercial seed can have its own set of pest problems which differ from bulk stored grain on a farm. Following is a list of precaustions that a warehouse operator may take to reduce the likelihood of losses from stored product pests to bagged grain.

• Keep all lots stored or stacked separately and clearly marked. If a problem develops, it may be able to be isolated within an individual lot.
• Rotate stock to minimize the time any product will remain under storage.
• Maintain a warehouse climate at optimal storage temperature and humidity.
• Maintain a sound building with no leaks, damp spots, gaps, holes, or uncontrolled openings.
• Reseal or repair any damaged or opened bags as soon as possible.
• Clean up any spilled grain quickly and discard away from the premises.
• Keep all stacks of grain 12 to 18 inches away from any wall to allow ventilation and limit stack height to allow easy inspection.
• Remove all bird nests and prevent roosting and access of birds to the building.
• Make routine inspections as often as every two weeks and no less frequently than monthly looking for any of the following signs:
• Rodent droppings or gnawing damage around walls or on bags.
• Moth larvae, cocoons, or webbing on bags or walls.
• Tiny "sawdust" piles on bags or on floor under bags.
• Emergence ("shot") holes in sides of bags.
• Rodent burrow holes around the exterior of the building.
• Excessive small moths flying around stacks or lights at night.
• Rodent traps, light traps, and pheromone traps may be used to help monitor the presence of pests.
• Before any control measures are taken, be sure pest is accurately identified.
• If fumigation becomes necessary, it should be performed by a pest control operator holding a fumigation license or employee holding fumigation certification. Select a fumigant that will not affect seed germination.